Speaking
after the announcement Dara Kearney, Chef d’Equipe for Team Ireland
Equestrian's Para Equestrian team, said that the riders were really
looking forward to the games.

“Obviously it is very disappointing
for the riders who did not make the team and it was a very close call
with some riders missing out very narrowly. The team will be going to
the three star competition in Hartpury in the UK next week as part of
the preparation for the games which will be an ideal dry run for London”
she said.

"On behalf of the whole squad I'd like to thank everyone who supported us on our journey to this milestone," she added.

The Para Equestrian dressage competition takes place in Greenwich Park London from August 30th to September 4th.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Gladstone, NJ -June 26, 2012 - After earning the 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage
National Championship title on June 13, 2012, Rebecca Hart, 26, of Unionville, PA, and
Lord Ludger, owned by Jessica Ransehousen, were invited back to the United States
Equestrian Team Foundation's headquarters at Hamilton Farm. In front of a congregation of
press, spectators, and top Olympic Dressage athletes, Hart was awarded the perpetual
Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship trophy from presenter Ann Romney.
Romney has been a long supporter of Dressage, as an owner and athlete and she is a
spokesperson for Multiple Sclerosis, which is one of the many diagnoses that specific para-equestrian athletes face.

In the moment that Rebecca Hart was awarded the 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage
National championship trophy, she felt honored and humbled to represent the sport she has
advocated for since 1998. Hart will add this National Championship to a list of
accomplishments that she has achieved since 2003. In 2003 and 2007 she represented the
U.S. at the Para-Equestrian World Championships, in 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2010 she won
the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and earned the reserve
championship in 2010. In 2008 she represented the U.S. at the Beijing Paralympics, and in
2010 she represented the U.S. again at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Hart expressed, "I have been asked how it feels to have won the National Championship
five times. My answer is that it feels great, but I didn't win this alone. It takes a village to
compete on this level and this win belongs to everyone who has ever helped me to get this
point; From the person who offered the smallest word of encouragement, to family, friends,
coaches, and corporate sponsors. I was truly honored to be asked to come back for the
awards ceremony and presentation at the able-bodied USEF Grand Prix National
Championships and selection trials with Ann Romney. It is fabulous for Dressage to be
brought into the limelight and in conjunction, Para-Equestrian Dressage.

Gladstone is
steeped in history and to have my sport included in that history is truly special. Mrs.
Romney was so gracious as a presenter. It was inspiring to have Mrs. Romney present this
award because not only is she herself a fellow equestrian, but she also knows what it
means to work with physical challenges."

In 1998, Ann Romney was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. As an alternative to her

mainstream treatments she began participating in Dressage. As with many equestrians, she
jumped head first into the equestrian sport and never looked back. In 2005 she earned her
USDF Silver Medal and in 2006 her Gold Medal. While working with trainers Jan and Amy
Ebeling she developed a desire to achieve the top of the sport.

In 2012 at the USEF
Dressage Festival of Champions her horse Rafalca, co-owned by Amy Ebeling and Beth
Meyers, earned the third position with rider Jan Ebeling on the 2012 USEF nominated
entries for the United States Olympic Dressage Team.

As Para-Equestrian Dressage and able-bodied Dressage intertwined at historic USET
Foundation headquarters in Gladstone, NJ property, spectators began to learn more about
the sport of Para-Dressage. Rebecca Hart trains week in and week out while she maintains
a full-time job in corporate at the Starbucks Coffee Company. She trains with
Para-Dressage Chef d'Equipe and prominent Event rider Missy Ransehousen, alongside
Olympian Jessica Ransehousen at Blue Hill Farm. Hart was born with Familial Spastic
Paraplegia, a genetic disease that causes muscle wasting and lack of control from the waist
down. Her ability to overcome obstacles has transformed her into an award winning
international athlete in both Para-Dressage and able-bodied competition. In the future Hart
hopes to reach the top of the Dressage discipline. On June 19, 2012 Rebecca Hart was
named to the top of USEF Nominated Entry for U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team for
the 2012 Paralympics.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Gigi broke her neck in the spring of 1999 while riding in an event, resulting in incomplete quadriplegia.

Initially paralyzed from the chest down, she is eternally grateful for having the opportunity to regain her mobility!

Gigi had extensive riding experience before her accident:
1970-1976 Working student for May and Denny Emerson
1976-1979 Working student and barn manager for Gunnar Ostergaard and Ellin Dixon
1979-1983 Working student/groom George Theodorescu in Sassenberg, W. Germany

Gigi & Hobbs at the 2012 Selection TrialsPhoto Credit Lisa Thomas

From 1987 through 1999 Gigi evented several lovely horses with lots of help from Bruce Davidson, culminating in completing the CCI*** and CCI**** at Rolex Kentucky 3-Day in 1997 and 1998!

Six months after her accident, she started to ride with Jane Cory, the owner of the Cort Center for Therapeutic Riding at Pleasant Hollow Farm in Pleasant Valley, PA.

She initially asked Missy and Jessica Ransehousen for help just before the WEG in 2010 and has been lucky enough to enjoy their expertise ever since. This past year has been a whirlwind of qualifications for the London 2012 selection trials, including successful trips at back-to-back CPEDI ***s in Wellington, FL, as well as shows at Morven Park and Dressage at Saratoga.

Married, since 1983, with two grown children, Charlotte (27) and Cameron (25), her husband, Brian, is a retired Banker.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

RELEASE: June 19, 2012
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department
Gladstone, NJ – Following the approval of the USEF High Performance
Working Group and the USEF Executive Committee, the FEI Nominated Entry
for the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team for the 2012 Paralympic Games
is as follows.

Athletes and horse are listed in ranked order based on the results
from the 2012 USEF Selection Trials & National Para-Equestrian
Championship:
1. Rebecca Hart and Jessica Ransehousen’s Lord Ludger
2. Jonathan Wentz and Kai Handt’s NTEC Richter Scale
3. Donna Ponessa and Wesley Dunham’s Western Rose
4. Dale Dedrick and her own Bonifatius
5. Donna Ponessa and Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s PG Ganda
6. Jonathan Wentz and Michele Miles’ Silvano
7. Mary Jordan and Deecie Denison’s Sebastian
8. Rebecca Hart and Jessica Ransehousen’s Carlingfords Taldi
9. Wendy Fryke and her own Lateran
10. Elizabeth Pigott and Regina Cristo’s One Night Stand
11. Mary Jordan and her own P. Sparrow Socks
12. Robin Brueckmann and her own Radetzky
The four athlete/horse combinations comprising the team will travel to England to compete
in the 2012 Paralympic Games. Chef d’Equipe Missy Ransehousen will join the named
athletes when the riders enter a boot camp before London. The Paralympic Equestrian
events take place in London, England at Greenwich Park August 30-September 4, 2012.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Spend a day witnessing the US Para riders in action and you will spend a lifetime appreciating the beauty and uniqueness of their sport. As able body riders, we have immense passion for our horses and our competitive endeavors, but the special relationship between Para and their partner(s) is truly remarkable.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with Blue Hill Farm since launching their website several years ago. One of the perks of this role has been riding with Missy, trailering down to BHF when I can find the time to schedule a visit. Both Missy and Jessica have such a wonderful way of coaching and their dedication to the Para riders within the barn is so evident. When I share time in that environment I always walk away vowing to never complain again about a sore back or shoulder ever again!

Aside from my brief time with the Para team at the WEG, this visit to the Selection Trials marks the first time I’ve been able to spend the full day with the Para team watching all of the riders. The amount of pre-show preparation and warm up is the result of a team of coaches, horse owners, grooms, riders and family members.

The BHF riders had an exceptional experience during the selection trials. Becca, Elizabeth & Gigi made the short journey from BHF, but riders Kim and Mary made quite a bit longer journey to get ready for the trials prior to the event. They have been at BHF for the past month prepping for this big event. Mary traveled from Maine with her horses and in the case of Kim Jones, she came up from SC to start a new relationship with Ghlenlivet.

I spoke with Missy after the event, while all the riders were celebrating their post competition efforts back at the stabling area. “They all rode very well. Kim and Gigi both came to this event with the least experience and made a great effort, considering the fact that Kim has a new ride & Gigi hasn’t competed under this level of pressure. Elizabeth also has only been paired with One Night Stand since April and she was able to really excel in the Freestyle test.”

“Mary really had a successful weekend placing 1st and 2nd every day with both her horses. Right now she is unofficially in 5th position as a substitute.”

On Wednesday I was able to observe Elizabeth’s lovely Freestyle test aboard One Night Stand, and followed her out of the ring with his gushing owner. These horses all deserve a big round of applause for doing so well in (for the most case) their second careers. As noted before, the relationship between Para and horse is remarkably special and while standing with Idalgo's owner Jan Smith she mentioned how watching him work with Gigi almost always brings tears to her eyes.

As per my prior post, Becca Hart had the weekend of a lifetime. Missy felt this was the best ride Becca has given Lord Ludger (Lolu) to date, and her winning score reflected that! “With each day her riding got that much better.” Prior to being Becca’s newest mount, he was Missy's PSG horse with whom she was awarded her dressage silver medal 5 years ago Danni Tuscano showed him until the fall 2010 when Becca took over the reins. Taldi is Missy's ex event horse who Rachel has been showing in dressage for the past few years as well.

The "tentative short list" for the Para Team after this weekend's event are as follows:

Becca Hart - Grade II

Jonathan Wentz - Grade 1B

Donna Ponessa - Grade 1A

Dale Dedrick - Grade II

The US para team must have one lower grade rider (1a, 1b or II) and the team cannot have 3 riders from the same grade.

The riders who finished this weekend in the 5th -12th positions will be listed as substitutes in the existing result order, pending approval of the Olympic committee, drug testing and the signing of lease agreements from the owners.

July 16 the final entry will be submitted, so fingers crossed & ponies in bubble wrap until London!!!

Gladstone, NJ - The 2012 USEF National Para-Equestrian Championships held in conjunction with the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Paralympic Selection Trials came down to the slimmest of margins this afternoon as riders performed their Freestyle tests at the Pine Meadow location of the USET Foundation.

Heading to the final test of the championships only a few marks separated the top three riders and the remaining 20% of the final score would be determined Wednesday. Rebecca Hart, Jonathan Wentz and Donna Ponessa all produced their highest scores of the competition in the Freestyle and less than a half of a percentage point would separate them in the final standings.

Hart (Unionville, PA) produced the highest score of the National Championship, a 75.917%, to claim her fifth USEF National Para-Equestrian Championship title. The 26-year-old performed an extremely polished and stylish Grade II Freestyle with Jessica Ransehousen's veteran Lord Ludger accented by a high degree of difficulty.

Hart has spent the last year getting to know the Holsteiner gelding and believes that their enhanced partnership paid dividends this week."He has really become my horse, which is a really special feeling because he's so talented and so caring, that I really, really enjoy him not only as a horse but as a partner out there in the ring," Said Hart. "I feel now that he is finally looking to me, whereas before he would do what I asked but not really do it for me. And now he is really in there for me and doing it with me. That's nice to have the progression from being a little intimidated to now doing it together."

Heading into Wednesday's final test, Hart felt the pressure as there was no breathing room between the top three. "It was close, so it [the pressure] was pretty high and it's not over till it's over."Hart is now poised to represent the U.S. at her second consecutive Paralympic Games after topping the Selection Trials. However, she is not going to get overly excited until she is actually in competition."It feels good kind of a weight of the shoulders. But I'm going to hold off until we're actually trotting down centerline in London."

The 2011 USEF National Para-Equestrian Champions, Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Richter Scale, settled for Reserve honors after scoring 74.833% in the Freestyle. Wentz (Richardson, TX) demonstrated an elaborate Freestyle utilizing Irish music to compliment Kai Handt's Shire cross gelding's gaits.The Grade 1b competitor has been riding NTEC Richter Scale for more than three years and couldn't be more proud of his longtime partner."I'm very excited that Richter has carried me this far, I never would have imagined it three years ago, when Kai found him. He has really stepped up to the plate with everything I've thrown at him; he just delivers what I ask."

Finishing in third place was Grade 1a competitor Ponessa and Wesley Dunham's Western Rose. The pair scored 73.833% in their Freestyle by way of a high degree of difficulty. The pair demonstrated beautiful trot movements, which are not required but rewarded in Grade 1a."Because Rosie is just really round; her trot is very floaty and very easy to sit. It keeps her from getting bored and just adds a little zing to the test. The freestyle is supposed be fun and inventive so that's why we figured let's add some trot."

Grade II rider, Sydney Collier was the sole competitor contesting only the National Championship, as at 14-years-old she does not meet the minimum age requirement to compete in London. Riding in her first USEF National Para-Equestrian Championship she impressed many with her imaginative Freestyle riding Kristi and Sue Niblo's Otto to a 63%.

Hart, Wentz and Ponessa were all winners of the Freestyles in their respective Grades. In Grade III competition Wendy Fryke won her third test of the week with her own and Michael Fryke's Lateran, they scored 69.75% today. Mary Jordan and Deecie Denison's Sebastian swept all Grade IV tests and rode to a 69.833% in the Freestyle.

Hart and Lord Ludger Lead 2012 National Para-Equestrian Championships Following Two Days of Competition

Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger on their way to winning the Grade II Individual Test Photo: SusanJStickle.com

Gladstone, NJ - The National Para-Equestrian Championships featuring the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Paralympic Selection Trials continued Tuesday with riders performing their Individual Tests. Riders braved the rain at the Pine Meadow location of the USET Foundation Headquarters to showcase their skills across five grades of competition. Following the second test of the National Championship and Selection Trial, Rebecca Hart and Lord Ludger lead Donna Ponessa and Western Rose by the slimmest of margins.Hart (Unionville, PA) is on a quest to claim her fifth National title and earn the opportunity to represent the U.S. at the Paralympic Games in London this summer. The 2008 Paralympic Games and 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games veteran earned the highest score of the day to win Tuesday's Grade II Individual Test and lead the National Championship field. Hart rode Jessica Ransehousen's veteran Holsteiner gelding to a score of 73.968% Tuesday on the strength of an accurate forward test.

The 26-year-old is one of the most experienced para-equestrians athletes in the U.S. and understands the significance of this week's competition.

"The main goal here is definitely London for sure. Obviously, championships are nice and you'd love to do well in both of those."

Hart is one of seven competitors that is riding two horses this week and feels that opportunity to ride multiple horses in competition is extremely beneficial.

"Each horse is a little different and has more strength than others. So you can get in the ring and get more experience and see what the judges like in that particular moment and try and ride through that."

Lying second in National Championship competition is Ponessa (New Windsor, NY) and Wesley Dunham's Western Rose. The 9-year-old Oldenburg mare scored 72% to finish second in the Grade 1a Individual Test.

"To represent your country at the Paralympics, I don't think there's any greater honor and that's my sole goal right now," said Ponessa. "About a year ago [I started thinking about riding at the Paralympic Games]. I went to Del Mar and saw the caliber of riding; up until then I really hadn't seen a lot of para-riding and I realized how competitive it was and I'd always been a real competitive athlete and I decided I wanted to show at a really, really high level."

Grade 1b rider, Jonathan Wentz (Richardson, TX) stands third in the National Championship with Kai Handt's NTEC Richter Scale after scoring 72.899% in the Individual Test. He also stands fourth with Dr. Michele Miles' Silvano.

Ponessa won Tuesday's Grade 1a Individual Test with Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center's PG Ganda on a score of 73%. Wentz riding NTEC Richter Scale and Hart with Lord Ludger were the winners in Grades 1b and II respectively. Wendy Fryke (Parker, CO) rode her own and Michael Fryke's Lateran to victory in Grade III competition on a score of 65.389%. For a second day, Mary Jordan (Wells, ME) was the winner of the Grade IV test with Deecie Denison's Sebastian.

Competition concludes Wednesday with riders performing their Freestyle Tests, which will count for the remaining 20% of the National Championship score.

Monday, June 11, 2012

I'm just off the phone with Missy after a high energy day at the USPA Selection Trials at Gladstone. As you can well imagine, there was a lot of tension for the riders putting in their first tests today in a highly competitive environment!

Missy sent me the attached picture of the score sheet, and we discussed her reaction to the day. She said that everyone there rode quite well and did their best in front of a tough panel of judges. The expectation was that the judging would be hard, and all the riders were prepared for that. The scores were tough, but true and accurate to their rides. There may be a bit of disappointment back at the barn, but the riders will dig deep and mentally prepare for another day of competition tomorrow.

Click on Photo To Expand Scores!

I'm very excited to be going up to Gladstone on Wednesday to cheer on all the US riders, with camera in hand! I promise to get lots of photos for the riders and our website.

Stay tuned for more updates from Missy tomorrow at days end and good luck to all the riders!! LT

Gladstone, NJ -June 10, 2012 - In 2008, five Para-Equestrian Dressage riders competed in the United States Selection Trials for the Beijing Paralympics. Four years later twenty-three horse and rider combinations earned the right to compete at the 2012 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Paralympic Selection Trials. Dr. Stacey Kent, DVM, FEI Ground Jury member Carlos Lopes 5* (POR), and USEF Dressage Team Vet Dr. Rick Mitchell, DVM were on hand to evaluate each horse during Sunday's veterinary inspection. Each horse passed with flying colors shifting the rider's focus to the next three day's of competition. From June 11-13 Para-Equestrian athletes will compete at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation (USET) headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey.

Running simultaneously with the Selection Trials is the 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships. Overall scores for both the Paralympic Selection Trials and National Championships will be calculated using 40% of the Team Test, 40% of the Individual and 20% of the Freestyle Test Score. With only four spots on the United States Para-Equestrian Dressage Team headed to London it will be crucial that each test is precisely executed.

During the three days of competition FEI Ground Jury members, Carlos Lopes (5*) POR, Anne Prain (5*) FRA, and Marc Urban (5*) BEL will evaluate each duo on their interpretation of their respective tests. These critiques will be valuable since equestrians will see these judges again when they qualify for London. Lopes and Prain are members of the ground jury and Marc Urban is the Assistant Technical Delegate for the Paralympics.

Many of the riders competing in the Selection Trials have felt the competitive environment

of a show of this caliber before. 2008 Paralympic Team members Robin Brueckmann and Rebecca Hart have returned for another opportunity to represent the United States. Both of these riders represented the United States in Hong Kong and once again at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) in Lexington, KY. As seasoned riders there are always new variables. In November 2011 Robin Brueckmann had her right leg removed due to Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. After years of pain and lacking motor function Brueckmann spoke to many doctors about the possibility of amputating her leg. Together they made a carefully contemplated decision to amputate her leg. In three months she was riding in a three-star Para-Equestrian competition with her trusty horse Radetzky.

Rebecca Hart will be riding Lord Ludger during the Selection Trials and National Championships. Hart earned top scores throughout 2012 and has added a new horse for the Trials, Carlingsford's Taldi.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Gladstone, NJ -June 6, 2012 -Twenty-four horse and rider combinations will compete at the 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Paralympic Selection Trials and National Championships. Equestrian competition will occur June 10-13 at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey. Each horse and rider combination is vying for one of the four spots on the United States Paralympic Equestrian Team headed to London. The Paralympic Equestrian events take place in London, England at Greenwich Park August 30-September 4, 2012.

Athletes will compete under FEI Ground Jury Carlos Lopes (5*) POR, Anne Prain (5*) FRA, and Marc Urban (5*) BEL during the Selection Trials and National Championships. Competition will occur over three days in Gladstone demonstrating Team, Individual, and Freestyle Tests. The National Championship scores and Paralympic Selection Trial qualification will be calculated using 40% of the Team Test, 40% of the Individual and 20% of the Freestyle Test Scores. If there is a tie in the Final Ranking of the Selection Trials, the tie will be broken based upon the highest score earned by the athlete/horse combination in the Individual Championship Test at the Selection Trial. If a tie remains thereafter, it will be broken based upon the highest test score earned by the athlete/horse combination in the Team Test of the Selection Trial. If a tie still remains thereafter, it will be broken based upon the Musical Freestyle Test score awarded by the president of the Ground Jury to the horse/athlete combination in the Selection Trial. If a tie still remains thereafter it will be broken based on the majority vote of the Selectors.

*Sydney Collier will not be competing for the Selection Trials due to the age qualification of 16-years for the London Paralympics. Sydney will be competing towards the 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship